Chevy Stevens

Pickles is in a Pickle

2011-12-04T10:25:00.001-08:00

Last month we sold our house and the timing of the subjectremoval coincided with the four month anniversary week of Annie passing away.Annie and I had spent her whole life together in that home, so it was a veryemotional few days for me. Needless to say, there was lots of walking aroundmournfully and listening to sad music while looking through Annie’s scrapbook. Thisalso timed with my puppy-sitting my friend’s dog, Eddie, the inspiration forMoose in Never Knowing. After he wenthome the house felt profoundly silent and I realize how much I missed having adoggie companion.

We were in the middle of moving, so it wasn’t good time forus to be looking as we can’t adopt yet (nor am I ready as I swiftly realized),but I started checking out some rescue sites. It continually shocks and saddens me the things humans do to innocentanimals (people as well, but for the purpose of this blog, we’re talking aboutanimals). And I had to stop reading thesites with their sad stories as I was becoming very depressed. But I was alsotouched by all the selfless people who are out there doing everything they canto help all the unwanted, abused, and neglected animals. That’s not an easytask.

I try to help when I can, donating to the SPCA andother animal organizations, but I have to be careful to shield myself from seeinganything too harsh, images or stories, as I can’t get the information out of myhead and become very upset. So I have a lot of respect for those who are outthere in the trenches, working at the shelters, investigating cruelty cases,forming rescue groups, transporting animals, and fostering and rehabbinganimals, so they have a better chance of finding a forever home.

When I was in my “torture myself by looking at dogs online”phase, I came across Pickles, an adorable puppy, and fell instantly in lovewith her crazy ears and cute-as-can be face. In August she’d been abandoned byher owners and was hit by a car. She was still recovering at a foster home,with more surgery and rehab in her future. Her goofy little smile kind of remindsme of Annie, but there’s also just something about her puppy optimism andfun-loving nature, despite what she’s endured, that reminds me of why I loveanimals so much. They’re so forgiving, so loving, so in the NOW.

There’s a great lesson in that.

I sent Pickles some presents (photos are on her blog) and Ithink I got more pleasure looking at those photos than she did opening them.Another aspect of Pickle’s story that touched me was that even though she’dbeen abandoned by her original owners, who could’ve just taken her to ashelter, showing the worst of humanity, many people have rallied to help her.Shelter staff, Bully Buddies (a rescue group), her vet clinic, others havedonated towards her surgery and rehab, and she’s also got a fantastic fostermom who started a blog for her (Pickles can really work a keyboard, let me tellyou).

That’s another thing that amazed me, the dedication offoster moms. They invest enormous amounts of time, energy, and love into ananimal that they will one day see off to another home (though, many end upstaying at their foster homes).I know how challenging it was nursing Annieafter multiple surgeries, so I found it heart warming to know that there arepeople out there willing to do that for a dog who wasn’t even their own. I alsowanted to know more about fostering, wondering if it’s something I would beable to do in the future, and became e-pen pals with Simone, who’s Pickles’foster mom. She kindly agreed to let meinterrogate, I mean interview, her for my blog.

You can read out interview below, and if you’d like to learnmore about Pickles (trust me, her blog is so freaking sweet it will make yourteeth hurt), or make a donation to her rehab (someone has some swimming in herfuture), you can click on this link.

Chevy:

When did you start fostering? And what drew you tothat process?

Simone:

I started fosteringalmost 10 years ago. I was sitting at the vet with my newly-adopted puppy,Charlie, and spotted a poster saying that they were looking for foster homesfor rabbits. I’ve had pet rabbits my whole life but wasn’t in a position to addanother permanent one to my family. I figured it would be something fun andrewarding to do. I sent an email and 2 days later Fluffy moved in. Since thenwe had over 1000 animals come through our doors. Some just stayed a few days,others for several years.

Chevy:

What do you find the most rewarding part of openingup your home to a foster animal, and what is the most difficult? Personally,I’d have a hard time letting go, I think.

Simone:

Most of our fosteranimals were literally one step away from death due to no fault of their own.They get a second chance simply by us giving them a safe, temporary place tostay.

It is especiallyrewarding when you foster an animal like Pickles who is in such rough shape andthen you see her take little baby steps every day until she is fully recovered.

Letting go is hard,no question about that. The longer you have them with you, the more attachedyou get. I often warn adopters that I’ll be crying like a baby but that I’ll bejust fine. It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last time.

The groups I fosterfor, screen the homes very carefully and let me have a say too so I knowthat they are going to a good home where they will be safe and much loved. Thatmakes letting go a lot easier. I often get updates from previous fosters andsome adopters have become very close friends.

Letting go means thatit opens up a spot for another one who is just one step away from death. If Iadopted, it means I couldn’t help as many animals.Each one of them isso different and you can learn a lot about training, behavior, medical issuesetc.

Chevy:

What kind of animals have you fostered over theyears? Any fun experiences you want to share? Elephants in the living room?Penguins in the pantry?

Simone:

We fostered rabbits,pet rats, chinchillas, hamsters, pet mice, cats and dogs over the years. I evenhad a tarantula here temporarily before she was picked up by her regular fosterhome. Given that I have arachnophobia it was pretty nerve-wracking.

Animals in generalare a lot of fun but there are always fun experiences with fosters:

- Did youknow rats give kisses like little dogs? Did you know you can teach them tricks?I didn’t know until I started fostering them.

- We raiseda few litters of bunnies. There’s nothing cuter than baby bunnies!

- Rats areillegal in Alberta but the rescue I’m involved with managed to get a few outalive. One of them ended up going viral. One minute I got an email from theshelter in Alberta, next thing I knew I had CTV, Global, Metro, CBC all calland email. Google “Matilda the rat”

- We werefostering a pair of rabbits who had been starved. Needless to say food became avery crucial thing in their lives. During meal times they were so excited thatthey would literally hop into the fridge and start munching on the veggies.

- We had afoster cat named Piggy Fluffbutt who was just about the most mellow cat ever.We would dress him up and he happily complied.

- Amber ourprevious foster dog managed to steal a toy right out of Charlie’s mouth. In thealmost 10 years that we had him, no dog ever dared to do that. The look on hisface was priceless.

- Waking upto Pickles’ giant mess after she de-fluffed her dog bed and a few toys waspretty darn hilarious! Her zoomies and play bows are also out of this world andmake us laugh all the time.

Chevy:

Do you have any advice for someone consideringbecoming a foster parent?

Simone:

Think about what kindof animal you would like to foster – Small animals, dogs, cats, exotics? Isthere a certain breed of dog that you like?

The key is to find areputable rescue – Make sure they screen homes well, spay/neuter prior doadoption, provide vet care, provide support to you the foster family, are willingto pay for obedience classes or behaviorist etc. There are a lot of rescues out there for justabout any animal but unfortunately there are black sheep among rescues too somake sure you do a bit of research beforehand.

Have an opendiscussion with the rescue about your level of experience and the type ofanimal you can handle. At the same time there might be issues that you cannothandle. If you foster for a reputable rescue, they are more than willing tofind a good match for you and your family. I for example cannot foster intactmale dogs as my own dog doesn’t like them. I also cannot foster dogs who bark alot because I live in a condo. On the other hand I’m very comfortable doingafter surgery care, giving meds, don’t mind housebreaking or training.

Expect to be screenedby the rescue as if you were going to adopt from them. Good rescues careimmensely about their animals and want to make sure they are in good hands.

Fostering certainlyis a commitment. It is a bit of work and it can be time consuming so make surethat you are up for it!

Other than that, justdive into it. Make them part of your family. Have fun. Love them. Spoil them.Teach them. Prepare them for their forever home.

It is ok to “fail”fostering! We all had one or more we just couldn’t let go. The ultimate goal isto find them a forever home and sometimes that just happens to be with you.

There are many otherways to volunteer if you are not in a position to foster. Often help is neededwith transport, fundraising, representing the rescue at an event, website,paperwork etc. – Just get in touch with your local rescues or shelters!

Chevy: Thanks for coming by, Simone! I look forward toreading more of Pickle’s antics on her blog.

NEVER KNOWING is a Finalist for a Goodreads Choice Award!

2011-11-21T18:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all my amazing readers who voted for NEVER KNOWING and helped it to the finals. I truly appreciate the support. There's one more chance to vote for your favorite!

2011 Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Mystery & Thriller

Vote now for your favorite books!

NEVER KNOWING is in the Semi-Finals for the Goodreads Choice Award!

2011-11-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all the support everyone! There's one more day to vote for your favorite in this round.

2011 Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Mystery & Thriller

Vote now for your favorite books!

VOTE FOR NUKE!

2011-11-13T07:58:00.001-08:00

Nuke is a very special dog. He's a rescue, who has now turned into a blood donor. He's saved ten lives! Sadly, he also donated blood to Annie, but she was too ill and we had to let her go. We still appreciated Nuke's sacrifice, and I'll never forget spending that last day in the clinic, lying on a blanket together, watching Nuke's blood going into her leg, and feeling grateful that we had a chance to save her life.

Though we lost Annie, there are many other dogs who can be saved by blood donors, and Nuke is unique in the fact that he has a universal blood type. I'd love to see him win this contest, not only because he deserves it, but it will bring awareness and hopefully more people will allow their pups to donate blood.

You can vote for Nuke up until November 17, 2011 at this link:

Read more about Nuke's amazing story at this link.

NEVER KNOWING is Nominated for a 2011 Goodreads Choice Award!

2011-11-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

2011 Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Best Mystery & Thriller

Vote now for your favorite books!

BCLocalNews.com - Bestselling author finds balance for latest novel#

2011-07-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

BCLocalNews.com - Bestselling author finds balance for latest novel#

STILL MISSING wins the 2011 Thriller of the Year Award for Best First Novel

2011-07-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Thriller Awards The 2011 Thriller Awards-->

During a gala banquet and celebration held on Saturday, July 9 at the Grand Hyatt in New York City, the International Thriller Writers announced the winners of the 2011 Thriller Awards.

They are:

Best Hard Cover Novel:BAD BLOOD, John Sandford

Best Paperback Original Novel:THE COLD ROOM, J.T. Ellison

Best First Novel:STILL MISSING, Chevy Stevens

Best Short Story:THE GODS FOR VENGEANCE CRY, Richard Helms

Also receiving special recognition during the ThrillerFest VI Awards Banquet:
R.L. Stine, ThrillerMasterin recognition of his legendary career and outstanding contributions to the thriller genre

Joe McGinniss, True Thriller Award

Karin Slaughter, Silver Bullet Award

The board of directors and members of the International Thriller Writers wish to congratulate all the winners and nominees of the 2011 Thriller Awards.

The 2012 Thriller awards are now open for submissions!
Click here for details.

Sweet Annie

2011-07-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

Dear friends--

I’m very sorry to share that on Tuesday night we had to let our beloved Annie go. She'd been bleeding internally for a while, from an unknown source, and her blood count had dropped. She was very pale and tired. We tried to give her a transfusion, but by the end of the day her blood count had dropped even lower, and it was time.

We had spent the whole day together in the exam room, cuddling on a blanket, her favorite stuffed monkey by her side, while she dozed or gazed out the window, just being with each other. My husband was also able to be with her in her final moments. I gave her a hug, she let out a little sigh, and the last thing she heard me say as she died in my arms was, “Do you want to go for a walk?” And then she was gone.

I cancelled my trip to NYC and we've been taking each day and moment as they come. But we are heartbroken. Thanks for all your lovely thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in our lives. We have been touched by all the letters and messages. She was loved by so many.

This song is for Annie. Thank you for all your love, my sweet baby girl.

http://lifeinthethumb.blogspot.com/2011/07/still-missing-by-chevy-stevens.html

2011-07-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

http://lifeinthethumb.blogspot.com/2011/07/still-missing-by-chevy-stevens.html

A Bookish Libraria:The Bookish Dame Reviews: Chevy Steven's "Never Knowing" ~ A New Soon-To-Be ...

2011-07-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

A Bookish Libraria:The Bookish Dame Reviews: Chevy Steven's "Never Knowing" ~ A New Soon-To-Be ...: " Authorized Overview : All her life, Sara Gallagher has wondered about her birth parents. As an adopted child with two sisters who were b..."

New Title Radar – Week of July 4

2011-07-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

New Title Radar – Week of July 4

Everything's a Damn Novel: Five Questions Answered by Bestselling Author Chev...

2011-06-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

Everything's a Damn Novel: Five Questions Answered by Bestselling Author Chev...: "If you're looking for a great summer read, Chevy Stevens' second novel arrives JULY 5. It's a book that's been called riveting and suspens..."

A Bookworm's World: Chevy Stevens - Never Knowing - Q & A

2011-06-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

A Bookworm's World: Chevy Stevens - Never Knowing - Q & A: "Chevy Stevens jumped onto the the book scene with her thriller debut Still Missing last year. (I reviewed Still Missing and loved it!) Her..."

NEVER KNOWING Book Launch!

2011-06-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

NEVER KNOWING GOES ON SALE IN TWO WEEKS!

2011-06-21T11:24:00.001-07:00

Annie's already got her paws on a copy!

NEVER KNOWING is in Chatelaine Magazine!

2011-06-18T16:36:00.001-07:00

I'm thrilled that Chatelaine calls Never Knowing a "riveting read" in the July issue, on stands now, under their "Summer's Best Reads" section. If you pick up the magazine, you'll love the pages of burger recipes. I want to try the salmon and avocado one. Looks delicious.

Join me for a live chat on BookTrib.com!

2011-05-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

My E-VENT at BookTrib.com to celebrate the paperback release of my debut novel, STILL MISSING, will begin at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT on Tuesday, May 24. On the homepage, an exclusive video will be shown and the chat will begin immediately after. Anyone can attend! Ask all your questions about the book, my own experiences, and the writing process. Everyone that comes to chat will be in the running to win one of 10 exclusive BookTrib gift bags filled with incredible goodies. You can RSVP for the E-VENT at stillmissing@booktrib.com.

Talk to you soon!

Chevy

Tour Dates!

2011-05-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Come help me celebrate the launch of NEVER KNOWING at the following locations in July:

July 23: Chapters Nanaimo at 2:00 PM

July 24: Chapters Victoria at 2:00 PM

July 25: Chapters Vancouver at 7:00 PM
Granville Location

Hope to see you there!

Chevy

Radio Interviews

2011-05-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'll be doing some radio interviews this month. If you want to have a listen, here's the info:

WISCONSIN

Wednesday, May 18

8:00 AM to 8:10 AM PT

WEKZ-FM

"The Morning Mess"

MINNEAPOLIS

Monday, May 23

6:20 AM to 6:30 AM PT
KTOE-AM
"KTOE Morning Blend"
Hosts: Don Rivet and Red Lewis
www.ktoe.com

MILWAUKEE

Monday, May 23

7:10 to 7:25 AM PT

WCUB-AM

"Breakfast Club"

DES MOINES

Wednesday, May 23

2:00 PM to 2:20 PM PT
KFMG-FM
"Culture Buzz"
Host: John Busbee

KFMG-FM broadcasts to the Des Moines area at 99.1 FM.

This interview will air on the radio and his website, www.theculturebuzz.com.

DENVER

Friday, May 20

7:00 AM to 7:05 AM PT
KCMN-AM (CBS)
"Tron in the Morning"
Host: Tron Simpson

KCMN-AM is an independent, commercial station that broadcasts to the Denver area on 1530 AM. The station is affiliated with CNN Radio Network and Salem Radio Network

PITTSBURGH

Tuesday, May 24

6:am to 6:10 AM PT
WKYE-FM/WNTJ-AM
"Sunday Magazine"

ORLANDO

Friday May 20

4:35 AM PT

WOCA-AM

Host Larry Whitler

STILL MISSING is Shortlisted For Two Awards!

2011-04-30T07:52:00.001-07:00

I'm very honored that STILL MISSING has been shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Award in the best first novel category, winner announced June 2, 2011 in Victoria BC. Congrats to all the other nominees, and check out their wonderful books on the Crime Writers of Canada website.

STILL MISSING has also been nominated for the International Thriller of the Year in the best first novel category. The winner will be announced July in New York at ThrillerFest, which I will be attending. There are some fabulous books on this list!

Early Praise for Never Knowing!

2011-04-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been such a bad blogger, but I've been working on my third book and preparing for the trade paperback release of STILL MISSING this May. I still try to stay active on Facebook, so come on over and say hi, and learn more about my dog, husband, and popcorn addiction :)

Meanwhile, I wanted to share some early praise for NEVER KNOWING, which I'm deeply honored to receive from such fabulous authors. I know how busy they are, and how hard it is to read when you are working on your own projects, so I truly appreciate the support.

"Block off the weekend, grab a comfy seat, and prepare for the rocket ride of your life. Never Knowing will consume you with the desire to read every last page, gasp at every twist, and know every last secret between one woman and her serial killer father."

--Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Never Knowing is a chilling thriller with enough twists and turns so every time I thought I knew where it was going I was taken somewhere else. I have a feeling that Chevy Stevens is an author who is going to keep getting better and better with each book! I hope I'm still around for the next six--at which point she'll probably give me a heart attack. But what a great way to go out!"

--Lois Duncan, author of Who Killed My Daughter?; I Know What You Did Last Summer.

"A terrifying, chilling scenario that unfolds into a nightmare that had me keeping the light on at night."

--Rosamund Lupton, bestselling author of Sister

STILL MISSING is #2 in Germany!

2011-02-24T17:40:00.001-08:00

This week I found out STILL MISSING had risen to #2 on the bestseller list, which was a very exciting moment for me. I also have some more photos to share. These ones were taken in the Cologne railway station.

STILL MISSING Travels the World

2011-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

My German publishers were kind enough to send me some photos of the advertising they have done for STILL MISSING. They have also generously sent me a copy of the enormous poster ( it's 10 x 12 feet!) that is up in the railways stations. I'm thrilled by all this support for the book. After only being published for five days in Germany, STILL MISSING has already hit the bestseller list, which is fantastic news!

The Bird House by Kelly Simmons

2011-02-01T10:16:00.001-08:00

One of the joys of being an author is that publishers send us books in hopes that we will fall in love and offer a blurb. But the irony of being a published author is that I have less time to read for pleasure than I used to. When I am really heavy into my work, I simply can't. It throws me off my story, and frankly, by the time I shut down for the evening, I barely have enough brain power left to find the remote and turn on the TV. However, when I'm on a break from my book or traveling somewhere, I try to read as much as I can.

This fall I was flying to Toronto for the International Festival of Authors and I started to read a galley of a fantastic book called The Bird House by Kelly Simmons. I was so impressed, I read most of the book on that flight. The Bird House was just released today. So if you're looking for your next great read, give this one a try.

THE BIRD HOUSE is told from the perspective of one woman, Ann Biddle, during two different times in her life—the present day when she’s seventy and struggling against the slow slide of Alzheimer’s and during the early 1960s when she is a young mother. Replete with flawed, yet genuine, characters and compelling dialogue, it centers on the relationship that slowly grows between Ann and her eight-year-old granddaughter and the long-buried secrets that rise to the surface as they rediscover the past and uncover the present.

Every family has its secrets. But when you are the last survivor tending the dark fires of memory, and your own mind is fading, who do you dare share them with? Your diary…or your eight-year-old granddaughter?

Young Ellie’s bond with her feisty grandmother leads them on a journey that is fraught with risk, as secrets threaten to overwhelm their growing rapport. But when Ellie unknowingly sheds a burst of light on Ann’s shadowy past, it also becomes a journey filled with love, understanding, and healing.

Win a Copy of Carla Buckley's Book, THE THINGS THAT KEEP US HERE

2011-01-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

I’m very excited today to be interviewing a wonderful friend, Carla Buckley, who is the author of the novel The Things That Keep Us Here, which has just been released in trade paperback. This is also my very first interview! I promise not to veer off into any crazy directions. Okay, that’s not true. But I do promise to keep it somewhat on topic—the topic might just change rapidly!

Chevy: The Things That Keep Us Here is about a family trying to survive a terrible pandemic and although there are lots of fascinating scientific facts—some which are still keeping me up at night—the book never inundated us with boring data. Personally, I hate it when an author dumps a bunch of information in the middle of a book, but I know how hard it can be to resist sharing all your newfound research. How did you avoid that?

Carla: Thanks, Chevy. That's so nice of you to say! I did a lot of research-- from reading about the 1918 Great Pandemic to interviewing scientists out in the field monitoring the migratory bird population. There's nothing better than talking to people who are passionate about their work. They'll put things in such interesting and conversational ways that even I--a former art major--can follow along.

I didn't want to burden my story with a lot of scientific facts, but I did want to convey just how scary the flu virus is. One way I did this was to have Peter, the husband in my story, deliver a lecture to a group of students who knew nothing about influenza. Another way was to have Ann, Peter's wife and a non-scientist, take the lead so that she could ask the questions that mattered, as the threat unfolded.

Chevy: Reading about the 1918 Great Pandemic, eh? Fun! All kidding aside, another thing I realized after I finished reading the book (when I wasn’t busy stockpiling my house with supplies and trying to convince my husband to build a bunker in the backyard), is that although science supports the story line, it’s really more focused on this one family as they try to survive a pandemic—a family that was already struggling. What made you decide to go in that direction?

Carla: Actually, some of those books on the Great Pandemic are really terrifying! Back then, people didn't have a clue what was making them sick. They could only watch in horror as it worked its way through their neighborhoods and homes.

Some of that helplessness played out in my decision to write about a pandemic from the perspective of one average American family. I wanted to put real people in a situation that tested them and forced them to face their greatest fears, and by doing so, show how people can be pulled apart or brought together under the worst possible circumstances.

Chevy: Well, it was very effective. One of the reasons I couldn’t put your book down was because I became so emotionally involved with the characters. Another reason was that the pandemic you described was an all too real possibility. This was something that could happen, and in fact, did. I also read recently that birds have been falling from the sky. What was it like for you when your nightmares came true?

Carla: Um...not good! I can't tell you how many readers have contacted me regarding the recent bird die-offs, wondering if my story was about to come true. I asked my scientist husband what the scientific community was saying, and his response was that scientists were as perplexed as the rest of us. Yikes! The good news (though not for the birds) was that those recent deaths were not due to disease.

But the recent H1N1 Pandemic was another story. It started off exactly as the 1918 Pandemic had, with a mild, quiet surfacing in the spring followed by a large and much more active rebound in the fall. All my research had shown that this could be the pandemic the world had long been dreading. Smack in the middle of all this, I had my first book appearance scheduled 400 miles away. I decided to board the plane, but I made my husband promise that if the airports shut down and borders were closed, he'd hunker down with the kids and I'd figure out a way to get back home. Very fortunately (not to diminish the tragedy of the lives that were lost) the H1N1 strain proved not to have a high mortality rate and now there is a vaccine against it.

Chevy: That must have been terrifying! Now that the world is relatively safe for the moment, let’s talk about something that’s essential to a writer’s survival. Snacks! As an author myself, I know that those long days at the keyboard can be really frustrating, how you want to tear your hair out rewriting the same scene over and over, and the only things that get me through are popcorn and peanut butter—not at the same time! What are some of your favorite food-related-stress-reliefs?

Carla: Excuse me while I brush the crumbs out of my keyboard. There. Let's see. *studies heap of crumbs on desktop* Well, it seems that this week, I nibbled on leftover Chinese food, Raisinets, brownies, and potato chips. Yep, that seems to be everything. Don't tell my kids what I eat while they're at school. I'm trying to convince them to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Chevy: You are a writer after my own heart, Carla—but now I’m hungry! After we wrap up this interview I’m going to have to hit the store ASAP. I know you have an exciting contest you want to tell us about, but before we learn how readers can win a copy of your book, I wanted to ask about your next novel Invisible. One of the truly frightening aspects of The Things That Keep Us Here was the idea of the threat being this big nameless thing spreading across the world, something we couldn’t see or put a face to, but that was coming for you and your family. Does your next book have any similar elements?

Carla: I wish I could run to the store with you! We could pile a shopping cart with salty and sweet things, and then watch some reality TV while we plot our next books.

Speaking of which, yes, I also wanted my next novel to be about a family in turmoil forced to face a much larger crisis. Invisible tells the story about a woman who returns to her small hometown after a long absence to attend her sister's funeral. While she's there, she not only confronts her own tragic past but what might have what sickened her sister and her former neighbors and friends. I didn't want to be a disease-of-the-week writer, however, so I did a lot of research before unearthing a different sort of a scientific threat that's bearing down on humankind and which I predict it will be making headlines soon.

Chevy: Oh! That sounds like bliss! The running to the store part, not the plot for Invisible—that sounds terrifying. Then again, the two of us loose in a junk food aisle could also be terrifying.

So, now that you've thoroughly scared the crap out of us and I'm fighting the urge to barricade myself into my house, why don't you tell us about your contest?

Carla: No, don't barricade yourself--at least, not until I get there, armed with junk food! Okay, this is how the contest will run:

Everyone who leaves a comment about their favorite survival tip on my Facebook fan page by Monday, January 31 (12 pm EST) will be entered into a contest to win a signed copy of The Things That Keep Us Here along with my own concept of a survival kit.

Post a comment here on Chevy's blog AND on my fan page and be entered twice. Tweet or FB the link to the contest (and let me know by posting it to my fan page) and be entered three times!

Chevy: Thanks for being such a good sport about my first interview attempt, Carla. Now please hand over--I mean pass--the chocolate.

Carla Buckley is the debut author of the critically-acclaimed The Things That Keep Us Here recently rereleased in trade paperback as a Random House Readers' Circle pick. Find out more at: http://www.carlabuckley.com/

All in the Name of Research

2011-01-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I drove down to Shawnigan Lake BC, where my third novel is set, for research and my brother taught me how to run an excavator. It was a lot more fun than I thought! I destroyed the hill and my poor brother had to fill it back in, Oh, and it turns out a backhoe is a lot more complicated than an excavator. Who knew? Another fun fact, when your hands feel like they are going to freeze off you can warm them in front of the exhaust pipe.Here are some photos!

Another Lost Dog in Nanaimo!

2011-01-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

If you live in the Nanaimo area, or know anyone who does, please pass on this information.

Lost Dog "Murphy"
Last seen January 1, 2011 near Lantzville (Ware Road) area.
Requires medication
Please call:
250-390-2083 (home)
250-616-9671 (cell)

Update: GOOD NEWS!!! Murphy has been FOUND!

ReadUP TweetUP

2010-12-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

I'll be signing books in Nanaimo on January 27, 2011 at ReadUP TweetUp. Come check it out! See the link below for more information.

ReadUP TweetUP

My recent appearance on Books & Beyond

2010-12-19T09:40:00.000-08:00

Sendspace.com: Stevens.mp3 / your appearance on Books & Beyond

STILL MISSING Nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award

2010-12-18T07:10:00.000-08:00

If you loved STILL MISSING please vote for me at this link!

STILL MISSING IS ON SALE IN THE UK!

2010-12-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

That's right! STILL MISSING hits the shelves today in the UK and I'm so very happy and proud. I'm also grateful to my fantastic team over there at Little, Brown who have done a wonderful job getting the word out.

On Lost Dogs and the Art of Positive Thinking

2010-12-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

I am not always the most positive person. I try to be, I want to be, but I'm a worrier. And yet, I do have a strong belief in hope and miracles and the Universe. There are times, usually when everything in my life seems to be going wrong, where I doubt the magic. But I try to tell myself that it will all make sense one day, that this is just part of the process. Because the alternative choice, which is to just give up, really kind of sucks.

Recently, a dog went missing in Nanaimo. When I first got an email about him, I noticed he had disappeared from Departure Bay, which is quite a distance from where I live so I didn't pay close attention, just registered that it was a black lab cross. Almost a week later, after it had snowed heavily the night before, I headed out one morning to take Annie for her walk and spotted a black lab across the street. I stood still for a moment, but he didn't notice me and continued up the street. I wondered if he was a lab I'd seen wandering around before who lived in the neighborhood. I also remembered there was a dog missing, but dismissed it as being too far away.

I called out and he ran back down the street and hid in some bushes. I put Annie back into the house ( she was not happy about this!) and walked over to where I'd seen him dive into the bushes. I used all my best puppy voices, encouraging him, crouched down. Nothing. I got Annie, hoping he might come out to another dog. He didn't. Annie stared into the bushes, wagging her tail, but there was only silence. I didn't like leaving him there, but thought he was likely the dog from the neighborhood who someone had let out for a morning pee and that he'd go back home. I've rescued many dogs when out walking and the lost ones always come up to me. So I took Annie for a short walk, thinking of the dog the whole time. When I came back, I put Annie in the house and checked the bushes again. But he was gone.

Later I mentioned it to my husband, speculating whether it was the dog from Departure Bay, but again I dismissed it as being too far. My book was due back in a couple of days, so I was very busy and forgot about the dog. Then three days later I noticed a sign on the telephone pole right outside my house. Now I noticed his name was Jocko and that he was wearing a red collar. I felt sick to my stomach when I realized the dog I'd seen that morning had been Jocko. I quickly checked online and found a Facebook page for him. He was still missing.

I woke my husband up right away and forced him to listen to my agonizing about how I should've looked up his information sooner, should've used food to bribe him, wished hadn't made assumptions about him belonging to a neighbor, everything and anything. My guilt was enormous. I called his owners and they were nice and kind, which increased my guilt. Jocko hadn't been seen since that day.

Over the next couple of days I searched all the woods around our area, put up signs at my vet's, my blog, my Facebook, emailed everyone I knew, searched the fairgrounds, checking every stall, empty shed, barn. I called "Jocko" so many times my dog was starting to think it was her name. I also checked his Facebook page every day, hoping and praying for good news.

He'd been missing since November 16th and hadn't been since since November 23rd. My husband thought someone had taken him in. I wanted to believe so, but I thought that the type of people who would rescue a dog would call his owners or the SPCA. I also had my doubts whether he would allow anyone to catch him. Every morning when I walked my dog I called for him and I searched the fairgrounds. I knew the chances of him still being in the area were slim, but I couldn't seem to forget about him. When I looked on his Facebook page it was clear that lots of people were worried about him, many were searching and sending out emails, doing everything they could.I hoped that something would give somewhere and he'd come home soon.

I decided to make a vision board. I printed off his poster, crossed off "Lost" and wrote "Found" under it. Then I put positive affirmations around it. His owner and I had exchanged a couple of emails, and I confessed that I'd made him one, wondering if she was going to think I was crazy. But she emailed and asked about my board as she was thinking about making one and she also sent me some photos of him.

My husband came into my office as I was looking at them and I told him how worried I was. It had been over two weeks. Where could he be? I was starting to fear the worst. Time and time again, I went to our window and stared at the spot I'd last seen him.

That morning I emailed everyone I knew again. Then I printed off the photos Jocko's owner had sent and added them to the board with more positive affirmations. I took a white label and stuck if over the word, "Lost" which I had only crossed off before, and wrote "Found" over top of it. Then I searched the fairgrounds again: in the barns, under the barns. My heart leapt when I spotted a black dog in the distance, and sank when I realized he was with his owner. I'd been carrying Jocko's posters in my pocket, along with some food, and decided to stick one to a barn. I had nothing to pin it up with, but when I stuck it to the damp wood and wedged it under a board, I thought, Action creates action, movement begets movement. If one person sees this and tells someone, then they might tell someone.

Every time I thought about how the big the world was, and how long it had been since anyone had seen Jocko, I remembered a quote that I heard on TV one night, "Don't quit before the miracle happens."

I wanted a miracle for Jocko.

When I was in real estate if I did nothing, then nothing happened. But if I started calling "For Sale by Owners," then I'd get a call on a sign or a referral. Things don't always happen directly, but they happen. I knew it wasn't likely he was still in my area. But I thought if I put out all this intense positive energy and all these other people were doing the same all over Nanaimo, then someone, somewhere might find him.

An hour later I got an email from his owner. There had been a Jocko sighting back in Departure Bay, walking into a park near where he'd first disappeared from. They had been searching and calling but so far nothing. Right away, I called a friend who lives in that area. She had a bad cold, but she's a dog nut like me, so she wanted to help. I packed a leash, some food, his poster, and we were off.

After I picked up my friend we drove around for a while, debating where he might be. Finally my friend suggested we go back to the park. I grabbed my pack sack, my container of tempting tuna, and we were heading down the trail when I noticed a car pulling in near mine. A woman climbed out, asking if I was Chevy. Then she said the best words in the world, "We found him!" When Jocko climbed out of the of the car and ran over to us, I almost cried. It was the most amazing feeling of joy.

Jocko had disappeared from his owner's friend's house, who lived in the area. After they searched for him that morning they called his name all the way back home. A little while later, Jocko arrived. He may have followed their scent, their voices, or was heading that way already. But regardless, this is one amazing dog. He had been missing for 16 days and had lost a lot of weight but otherwise was in great health. When I think about how far he travelled, what he must have gone through, I don't know how he survived. But I'm sure glad he did.

Some can argue that my vision board had nothing to do with it, that he would have come home that morning anyway. Maybe, sure. But I'm choosing to believe in miracles and that positive energy from so many people protected him and drew him home. The power of community is an amazing thing, that so many people, strangers, neighbors, dog lovers, connected over one lost dog? That's wonderful. In this day and age, when life can be so hard for so many, it sure is nice to have a happy ending.

Don't quit before the miracle happens.

PS: This week I also heard about another missing dog in the DC area. Her name is Olivia and she's a Mastiff. I made a vision board for her right away, of course. And I just checked her blog and they've had a recent sighting. So paws and fingers crossed that Olivia's story also has a happy ending. For more information on Oliva, click here.

Missing Dog in Nanaimo

2010-11-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

If anyone lives in Nanaimo please pass this information on! I should mention that it's not Annie, but I hate thinking of this poor dog being lost at this time of year, or any dog being lost at any time! Let's help bring him home.

Annie Playing in the Snow

2010-11-22T16:16:00.000-08:00

Amsterdam!

2010-11-19T17:55:00.001-08:00

I was recently lucky enough to be invited to Amsterdam to meet the fantastic team at Cargo Publishing. It was a wonderful trip and I fell in love with Holland. Here are some photos. Enjoy!

Amsterdam Part Two

2010-11-18T17:52:00.000-08:00

COVER FOR NEVER KNOWING!

2010-09-23T12:03:00.001-07:00

I haven't been able to blog for a while because I've been focused on writing and taking care of Annie, who had surgery to remove a Mast Cell Tumor. But good news all around! Annie is recovering and I love the cover design for NEVER KNOWING. Let me know what you think!

The Art of Racing in the Rain

2010-07-27T18:47:00.001-07:00

I loved this book! Well, I love anything to do with dogs, so when I heard this book was narrated from a dog's perspective I had to read it. I'm glad I did. In this case it's not just a great story, but one with a powerful message. Five out of five!

All Grown Up!

2010-07-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Book Launch Nanaimo!

2010-07-12T13:04:00.001-07:00

A few photos from my book launch this past Saturday in Nanaimo. Thanks to everyone who came out! More photos are on Facebook!

Still Missing

2010-07-06T08:47:00.001-07:00

This is a photo of my father, "Chevy," taken when he was in the Navy. He passed away when I was twenty-two. It's my pub day and I'm thrilled, stunned, overwhelmed, and so touched by the outpouring of support, but it makes me sad that he won't get to read my book and I wanted to honor him somehow. So today's for you, Dad.

PEOPLE MAGAZINE!

2010-06-25T09:57:00.001-07:00

STILL MISSING is reviewed in the June 28th issue of People Magazine, on stands now! And once you get past the distracting cover, ha!, you'll find it in their "Great Escapes" summer reading feature. It's so exciting to be part of this feature, but even more so because I'm in such great company. Linda Castillo's second book, PRAY FOR SILENCE, was also reviewed and it's in bookstores now. I loved her first one and can't wait to read this one.

STILL MISSING and Oprah!

2010-06-24T07:43:00.001-07:00

That got your attention didn't it? Okay, okay, so I'm not on Oprah ( yet!!) but STILL MISSING is in the July issue of "O" Magazine, under the summer reads section. And let me tell you, in Writer Land that is pretty gosh darn exciting. Of course I had to run out and buy myself a couple of copies!

DOG FALLS FOR CAT♥

2010-06-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Island Launch/ Book Signing!

2010-06-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce the dates for my Vancouver Island launch/ book signings! Dates and location are on the invite to your left. I look forward to seeing you there!

Cute!

2010-06-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

Now this is the way to start your day! Except maybe not on a counter. I'd probably fall off and crack my head. Oh, wait, that's not really positive thinking is it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg

Watch it!

PS: My annoyance with the major weep fests on SYTYCD continues. I just about needed a wet suit to watch Wednesday night. Less tears last night, but not sure how I feel about the " all stars" being paired with the contestants. I enjoy the dances, but it's hard to focus on the new guys and gals.

Happy Friday!

2010-06-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Just a little mini update, because life is crazy busy right now, but I wanted to share some good news. STILL MISSING has now sold to Taiwan! Yippee! And in just over a month STILL MISSING will be published in the States and Canada, which is almost five and a half years from when I first started the book. WOW!!

On a completely unrelated topic, I'm SO happy that So You Think You Can Dance is back on. But I'm kind of annoyed that they are going the American Idol route and filming everyone's hard-luck stories. Now, I love a great story about someone overcoming adversity, obviously, but we don't know the dancers yet, nor do some of them even make it to the next round. It just feels very contrived. Like they are milking every sentimental moment for all it's worth. Does that bug anyone else?

I'm So Excited....

2010-05-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

And I just can't hide it! A couple of weeks ago STILL MISSING sold to Little, Brown in the UK, which was unbelievably exciting. Thought my head was going to spin right off! Then today I found out that we sold the Italian rights to Fazi Editore!! Two more places I'd love to visit ( hint, hint, universe)!

Blogging

2010-05-21T10:13:00.001-07:00

I'm blogging today over on Booktrib and there's a giveaway!

German Cover!!!!

2010-05-20T13:16:00.001-07:00

I love how each country picks a different element in the book for their cover design. This cover for Germany is so symbolic, simple but powerful at the same time. The title means " One Thousand Deaths." So cool!!!!

Is it Just Me...

2010-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Or has their been a rash of bad movies lately? Husband and I tried to watch four different movies last night and gave up on all of them within minutes. He managed to see the last one to the end, but I bailed half way through and went to bed and watched Cougar Town. There's a show that snuck up on me. I didn't think too much of the original concept, but it seems to have evolved to more of an ensemble thing and I like it a lot. The friendships really drive the story.

Grateful

2010-05-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm just feeling very grateful and blessed. Grateful for the nice dinner I had out last night with a lovely friend, who hired me for my first sales job when I was twenty-one! Grateful my husband got up early to go for a walk with me--and Annie, who is still doing well. Grateful that so many people have believed in me and my book. Grateful for my health, grateful for the chocolate cake I had last night, and grateful that my trainer cancelled our appointment this morning:)

Don't Judge a Book...

2010-05-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

You know, I've gotta say, I've been really surprised by Bret Michaels on Celebrity Apprentice. There's NO way I would've thought he'd make it to the final two, but he's kicking butt. I never thought a lot about him in general before, just a vague impression of a girl-crazy rock star. And he is that, but the man has some brains. He's pretty savvy with business and people. Anyway, he's got my vote. Rock on, Bret!

Awww....

2010-05-16T19:19:00.001-07:00

I'm such a sap. This totally made me want to cry. Have a look for yourself!

Wow!

2010-05-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

This kid is amazing! Check it out!

Guest Blogging

2010-05-05T12:16:00.001-07:00

Today I'm chatting with my friend Maureen over at Drunk Writer Talk about the importance of getting feedback on your writing.

Come on over!

Finally

2010-05-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

So I finally got the People magazine with Sandra Bullock on the front. Turns out when you live on an island in Canada they take a little longer to hit the newstands. Anyway, I thought all the photos were lovely and I was really impressed with her perspective on everything. It made me sad, but in a happy-she's-found-her-son-but-sad-she -lost-her-relationship kind of way. It does seem she has a good grip on it and has reached a place of understanding. She said something in there that I thought was just so wondeful and wise. She said that she hoped her son sees that life's sorrows don't eliminate the great joys. I hope we all see that.

Book Trailer

2010-05-04T14:45:00.001-07:00

Once again the marketing team at St. Martin's blows my mind. With the help of some wonderful booksellers, they created this fantastic book trailer for STILL MISSING! I won't tell you how many times I've played it :) But if you'd like to see it for yourself, then click here!

Goodbye Chocolate, Hello Bikini

2010-05-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it's the 1st of May, which means the good times are over. Okay, hopefully not ALL the good times, but my love affair with apple crisp, popcorn, and anything even vaguely resembling chocolate is.

I decided about a month ago that I'd start working out with my neighbor, who is a personal fitness trainer. May 1st seemed like a good start date because it was 8 weeks to summer. Years ago I hired a trainer and saw much better results than just going to the gym myself, and this year I really wanted to be in shape for the beach. Sitting at a computer all day is not exactly exercise and even though I walk Annie twice a day, those are casual strolls. She burns way more energy than me.

So I made a goal. The problem with that is I went completely nuts in the last couple of weeks and ate food I would never eat--and lots of it. I told husband that it was akin to getting drunk the night before you're going to rehab! The good news is that I ate so much bad food I kind of grossed myself out and now my body is screaming, "Please, no more grease!!" I'm actually looking forward to getting back into a routine, feeling my body change, buying new clothes!

Husband has been warned. Contraband food is not allowed past the doorway.The first couple of weeks of giving up anything are always the hardest. I feel sorry for husband because I'm pretty sure he was doling out sweets in self-defense. The man knows how to keep me sane! Something tells me he's going to be taking a lot of fishing trips in the next while :)

What is Going on!

2010-04-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Now I read that Halle Berry is splitting with Gabriel? I feel sad for her ( although she may be happy about this, who knows), but it doesn't seem like she's had a lot of luck in the relationship department.

Okay, time to walk Annie and stop worring about people I don't know!

Oh, Sandy....

2010-04-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

Just in case anyone thinks I'm only obsessed with my dog, I feel the need to rant about one of my other favorite subjects. The Sandra Bullock and Jesse James drama. When this horrible story first broke, I was shocked, angry, and I have to say taking it pretty personally. I felt duped! I really believed they had something special. The guy sure looked like he was in love. And if someone can love a person and still do those awful things? Ouch.

I wasn't surprised when it was revealed she was going to divorce him. It would be pretty hard to look past that big of a betrayal. The baby adoption was very much a surprise, but power to her. I haven't read the People article yet, but damn rights I'm going to be streaking out tomorrow to buy a copy. But the thing that strikes me about the snippets that have been leaked, is her composure. It's great she's showing women can be strong, holding her head high, moving on as a single mom, embracing the new adventure etc. But does anybody else find it a little TOO calm? She mentions being sad and scared. Um, how about totally devastated? Okay, I get not wanting to pour your whole heart out to a magazine. But " sad" just seems like a major understatement.

Of course, we don't know how Sandra really is, and she needed to tell the world something, and sometimes announcing how you want to feel is the first step to actually moving toward that feeling. But I guess I wish she'd felt it was okay to be a little more open. Then again, after what she's been through, you can't blame a girl for having some trust issues.

PS: Somebody just made a very good point. Sandy was probably being careful about what she said, and how she said it, because her son might read this article one day. Not to mention Jesse's kids. Oh, yeah, forgot about that part:)

It's the Little Things....

2010-04-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

That make me laugh. Like today I'm on my morning walk with Annie in a big field. Annie is happy because she's found herself a HUGE stick, but I couldn't throw the sucker without using it like a javelin! Then I spot a little brown bunny fleeing across the field. Annie doesn't even glance at. She has a stick! Then we nearly stumble on another one who freezes in panic. When we get closer he takes off, practically under Annie's nose. But she doesn't notice it because, well, you know, she has a stick! Then she's bouncing through long grass, which I love because her tail wags like crazy and she has this big grin on her face, not to mention the massive stick in her mouth. To her left I see a tabby cat leap up into the air, spin around, and streak out of there like his tail was on fire. Annie? Didn't even see it. Good thing she doesn't have to fend for herself in the wild!

Living in the Moment

2010-04-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

So I thought I should update everyone on my little Annie and send a thanks to all the lovely people who wrote me. Annie is doing well, all things considered. She's gained back eleven pounds and her energy level is great!!She still doesn't want to cuddle, which I miss terribly, but overall she's the best she's been in months so I can't complain. Well, not too loudly anyway :)

I've made her a bucket list, but I refuse to check anything off and I keep adding to it. I've posted some photos I took on our walk this afternoon. As you can see she was indulging in some of her favorite activities: stick chasing, stick killing, and puddle digging. The missing fur on her leg is where she had her surgery. She has a pretty big scar there now, but I told her it gave her " street cred" and no puppy will mess with her now!

The Thrill Begins Blog Interview

2010-04-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

The wonderful Carla Buckley, author of Things That Keep us Here, interviewed me today for The Thrill Begins Debut Blog!

If you'd like to read the interview click here.

We had a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy it!

Australian Cover for STILL MISSING

2010-04-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you, it's just the coolest thing to see another country's take on the cover design. I'm a lucky girl, because I love this one as much as I love the US one! Can't wait to see the others.

Book Trailer

2010-04-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Allen and Unwin, my Australian publishers, have created this awesome new book trailer for STILL MISSING! I love what they did with the cover. Very creepy! I can't wait to see all the different ones for each country.

Click here to watch the trailer!

( Isn't that background music freaky?)

Change

2010-04-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

I do not embrace change. Those who know me, know this well. Although, I have made major changes in my life and taken some pretty big gambles, they required a lot of gearing up and stress on my part before anything happened. My husband, however, is a whole different kettle of fish. He loves change. He's stable in his roots (thank God or he probably would've changed me a while ago!), but household things he's all for mixing it up.

He also knows me very well.

He'll suggest changing the living room. I'll say, "It's been like that for years. I LOVE it like that. My life will be ruined and everything would be horrible if you moved it." Husband waits a few days, I'm out for a little while, then I come home and the living room is completely rearranged. I'm all, "WHY did you move the furniture? You didn't even talk to me about...Hey, that looks really good over there. Did we always have that lamp?" Within a couple of days I'm acting like I rearranged it myself.

Same goes with the exterior garden area. I swear every time I look out there he's moved something. And it always looks good. I never would've thought a patio table can be placed in so many arrangements. I barely had plants out there when I lived alone. Don't even get me started on his beard. He grows one. I complain, then love it. It's the best beard ever. Can't imagine him without it. Just when I've hit maximum loving stage he shaves it off. Chaos breaks out. Lots of, "Why! How could you!" rants and moans. Sulking, what have you. Then in a couple of days I'm saying, "Wow, your skin is so smooth. I think you look younger. Man, you're hot. " Then it grows back and I fall in love all over again.

And so we have our pattern and it generally works well. Except for one unfortunate incident where he decided to changed our Internet/Cable services without discussing it and I almost wrapped a cable around his neck. We both learned from that one. But I digress.

Then there was the air mattress situation. When Annie had her last surgery on her leg, I slept on an air mattress in the living room with her because she wasn't allowed upstairs and no way I was leaving my baby downstairs by herself. Husband was working out of town, so Annie and I had created a full on nest by the time he got home. I had a TV, close access to the fridge, my lap top, fuzzy blankets, a coffee table as a footrest/TV tray. Books, magazines, movies. It was great! After a few days I was completely immersed in " nest living." I even did all my final page proofs from the nest.

After a few days Annie wanted back up on the couches ( I built her stairs with cushions) but I was still happily ensconced on the air mattress. When husband came home on weekends, he also started to see the benefits and stole my nest for PlayStation usage. We also discovered watching movies was much cozier cuddled on a double air mattress.

Life was good.

Annie recovered from her surgery and was able to go upstairs, we were all back in bed. But the air mattress stayed in the living room. I started wondering how long it could go on? Could we just move it when we had guests? Everything was wonderful. But I knew, deep down, I knew. Change was in the air. It had been almost a month. Then it happened. I was upstairs writing and came downstairs to get a cup of tea. The air mattress was gone. The coffee table was back in place. The pillows all in their right spot on the couch.

I stared at husband, who was sitting on the couching watching TV.

"What did you DO!?"

"Had to happen eventually, baby."

I know he was right. But oh how I mourned the air mattress, my nest, my cozy little island in the middle of the house. The house is tidier now. You can actually walk around the living room. Annie can play on the carpet. It's good. And it did have to happen. But still.

Bittersweet....

2010-04-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

So I'm back from my prepub tour, which was lovely and much fun. It was great to meet so many booksellers, and they truly are the nicest people. I know how rare of an opportunity a tour like this is for a debut author and I appreciated every moment of it. When I was in Toronto I had my first interviews, which was a whole new experience. John Barber from the Globe and Mail ran his article last weekend, which thrilled my friends and family ( and me).

But then I had to come home. See, what a lot of people didn't know, unless they were unlucky enough to ask how my dog was, then they heard far more details than they probably wanted, is that my beautiful Annie has cancer. For months I'd been fighting an invisible enemy. We consulted many vets and specialists. Annie endured test after test as we tried to find out what was wrong with her digestive system. Then a month ago I found a lump on her flank, which turned out to be a mast cell tumor. We were looking on the inside and the devil was on the outside.

After consulting five vets, I decided to give her a chance at life, and she underwent surgery to remove it. This was not an easy decision as she'd been through a lot already, but the vets were hopeful and the odds were good if they got it all. But what we didn't know was that she already had another tumor under her armpit. When I came back from the prepub tour, I talked to her vet and we decided not to do any more surgeries. This one is in an awful spot and the odds of her getting another one are too high. It's time to just let her be. I am hopeful we will have some time with her still. I don't know how long. But I'm trying to make the best of every moment.

I will try to blog more about my tour in the future, but right now I'm focusing on finishing NEVER KNOWING and trying to baby my baby. We take slow short walks, and I let her sniff every blade of grass to her heart's content. She is not as cuddly since she's been sick, but when she does allow me to hold her, I curl up against her back and inhale the scent of her fur, trying to memorize her. In the moments when she is playful, I rejoice. And I tell her in every way, every day, how much she means to me.

You might wonder why I'm sharing this, and I hope I'm not depressing the crap out of you. But I'm a writer, this is what we do. Put our pain on paper.

I've never in my life had such a juxtaposition in my worlds. Career wise, wonderful things are happening with my book. Things I worked for and dreamed about for years with nothing more than faith and hope to go on. But personally, I'm losing something so important to me it hurts to type these words. And I had to pause. Because writing it makes it so real.

How Nice is That!

2010-03-16T08:26:00.001-07:00

So remember when I was saying how awesome book people are? Well, last week the fantastic folk at Fenn ( say that ten times fast! Fenntastic?) sent me the cardboard cut out of my cover!

It arrived on a day I sorely needed a cheer up--poor puppy had surgery--and it was also the fifth anniversary of when I first started writing STILL MISSING. Thanks Fenn!

Next week I'm leaving for my pre-pub tour. I'm very excited and I'm sure I'll have lots to blog about!

Great Expectations

2010-02-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

For years I fantasized about being published, what it would be like, who I would meet. What publishers and anyone in that world would be like. In my mind it was always very posh and slick. Hey, I grew up on a ranch and lived in jeans ( still do) anything past Vancouver is the OTHER WORLD.

The first time I went to NYC was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I even Facebooked when I saw my first New York yellow cab!! I sat outside the Flatiron building for a few minutes before I met my editor at St. Martin's, and just shook my head. Here I was, little ole me, in New York, going to go meet my publisher. Crazy.

Of course I was nervous as all get out and spent the weeks leading up to the trip driving myself and my husband nuts agonizing over clothing choices and anything and everything else. But then I was there. And it was amazing. Everyone at St. Martin's was so real and friendly. Not sure what I was expecting--white marble floors, white leather couches, fancy coffee type drinks I'd never heard of? Maybe. Anyway, I was ecstatic to realize not only was I happy to be published, I loved my publishers and everything about St. Martin's. How lucky is that?

I had a similar experience the first time I met my agent ( who is amazing. I send him long emails and I get " Yes" back. Love him.). He was on holidays with his wife in Washington and they took the ferry up to Victoria to meet me. My mind was busy for weeks trying to imagine what he'd be like. I had a mental picture of fancy New York agent. Sort of an Entourage Ari, kind of thing. So I was nervous. (Insert hours of obsessing here.) But then I met Mel and his wife and they were wonderful and real and well, normal!

Then I was asked to speak at the BC Book Fair. My first speech. Gasp! I rehearsed for weeks and gave the speech so many times to my husband he was repeating it in his sleep. More debating clothing options etc. etc. Then I was there and I met the sales reps for Fenn, the Canadian distributor for St. Martin's, the lovely Judy Parker and the super cool Peri Maric. They put me at ease right away ( although, Peri wouldn't let me take the cardboard version my book cover you see in the photo above, which I coveted furiously, something about needing it somewhere :) and I couldn't have asked for a better support system. Even if we weren't working together I would want to be friends with these people.

They took me under their wing, introduced me to lots of fabulous BC booksellers ( book people are so nice, really), and just generally gave me a crash course in the Canadian publishing world. I learned so much, and had an absolute blast doing it. I even got to sign some books--another first! I was so bloody new at it that I didn't know there is a certain page authors are supposed to sign. There is a man out there with one of my ARCs signed on the wrong page. Sorry!

The moments of the speech are still a blur in my mind, but I survived, it was over and I'd DONE IT!!! Then that night I got to go to my first ball at the Union Club, which was all very elegant with wood beams and dim lighting. But I think my favourite moment at dinner was when I was talking to this lovely young editor sitting next to me, who exclaimed that she couldn't believe she was at the Union Club having dinner with publishing people and sitting next to an author! It took me a moment to realize she meant me! I cracked right up, because I knew exactly how she was feeling.

Thanks again, Peri and Judy! You guys are the best.

What a Trip!

2010-02-24T17:07:00.000-08:00

Portugal, Brazil, and Spain. What do these three countries have in common? Amazing sunsets, gorgeous scenery, fun people, fabulous beaches, and my book! That's right, STILL MISSING will now be available in three more countries! Can I just say how jealous I am that my book gets to go to all these countries before I do?

You Won't See This at the Olympics!

2010-02-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

Saw this video on Facebook and just had to share.

I give you Plushenko!

Awesome Contest!!!

2010-02-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

Wow! There is nothing more exciting to me than the chance to win BOOKS unless there is a chance to win BOOKS AND A VACATION! Seriously. I read about this on Susan Juby's blog and my heart just about stopped. All you have to do is vote for some books and then you could potentially win 64 books ( yes, you read that right. 64 books!!!) and a 7-day trip to the Bahamas!? My head just about spun right off at the idea of having all those books land on my doorstep. Oh, and the dreamy idea of a vacation somewhere hot. Lazing in a hammock, a fancy umbrella drink in one hand a book in the other...sigh.

Enter HERE in case you missed the link above.

PS: Vote for Susan Juby! We live in the same town and she's great!

Fall On Your Knees

2010-02-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

I don't tend to read a lot of literary fiction, but when they are as dark and delicious as this novel, I do. I've been travelling back and forth to Vancouver with my dog so she can get treatment and this book kept me company on the ferry and in the waiting room. I needed to get lost in another world, in someone else's pain, and Fall On Your Knees did the trick.

The characters are wonderful and the language gorgeous. I also loved the historical aspect of it, especially because it never meandered into a history lesson. It just added depth and a richness to the narrative. I appreciate many books, but only a few really make me go, Wow, now there's a writer. If you haven't read this one, I suggest you do!

A Zen Moment with Annie

2010-01-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken on Christmas Day at my mom's ranch. Annie was sitting quietly, taking in the view, sniffing the air for the scent of horses, rabbits, ponds, chickens, and cats. She wasn't angry that she was sick, she didn't blame anyone or ask for anything. She was just taking it all in and living in the moment.

They're Here!

2010-01-22T06:45:00.000-08:00

My ARCs arrived! Each time the novel passes through another stage on its way to publication I'm filled with excitement and a lot of, Holy cow, is this really happening? This is the first time I got to see the book with its final cover design and typeset pages, so there were squeals of joy, and, I'm not ashamed to admit, one seriously crazy happy dance! My hubby took some pictures of me holding the ARCs, but as I'd just crawled out of my cave ( office) and was giddy with glee ( looked like Annie when she's fetching a stick), no one gets to see them!

Oh, Happy Day...

2010-01-21T17:08:00.000-08:00

Today is a good day for a couple of reasons. First, the Dutch rights to STILL MISSING sold to De Bezige Bij, a fantastic publisher, who represents Karin Slaughter and James Patterson among many others. So I'm very excited about that. And I can finally enjoy last week's Czech and Slovak translation rights sale because Annie is feeling better!

When my baby is unhappy, I'm REALLY unhappy. Yesterday we went back to one of her vet's ( she has three, really more of a team at this point, but this clinic has mattresses instead of metal tables, which Annie thinks is pretty cool!), and added some new meds and got an acupuncture treatment. I thought there was NO way that was going to go over well. But she was a trooper. She gave me--and the needles in her legs--some funny looks, but she hung in there. My life has become a series of timers and pills and droppers ( I even had to make up a timetable) but if it helps my fur-child, I'll gladly do it all and more. Today the tide seems to have turned. Fingers ( and paws) crossed!

Aren't They Pretty?

2010-01-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

The only thing better than having chocolates sent to you, is having FANCY chocolates sent to you!

These heavenly ( and wow, were they ever heavenly!) delights were sent by the lovely folks at Brilliance Audio and are handcrafted by Patricia, of Patricia's Chocolates in Grand Haven, Michigan. I'd never seen artisan chocolates before. Aren't they beautiful? They were almost too pretty to eat! Almost....:) I'd really like to say I savored them over the course of weeks, but, well, then I'd be lying! Life is short, sieze the chocolate!

Cute Video

2010-01-20T06:39:00.000-08:00

I'm always a sucker for anything animal related, but throw in a heartwarming story about overcoming obstacles and being accepted for who you are? I'm mush.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4

Inglorious Basterds and 500 Days of Summer

2010-01-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

Now there are two titles you don't usually see side by side! What can I say? I like contrast.

Inglorious Basterds was not a movie I expected to like. I'm not a huge Tarantino fan because I usually find his stuff pretty gruesome, but hubby wanted to see it and I'd tortured him with a bunch of bad picks recently, so I owed him one. Turns out, I liked it. There were definitely some gruesome moments that had both of us diving for pillows to hide our eyes, but the suspense was excellent. Lots and lots of tense moments. The acting by Christoph Waltz was mind blowing. He was simply incredible, the perfect villain. In writing they say you need a " worthy protagonist" and he was certainly that. Thank God he won a Golden Globe or I would've thrown something at the TV.

As for 500 Days of Summer. I love movies like this. Clever writing, quirky characters, and something to believe in. A few years ago, I might have hated this movie, or at least cried all the way through it. But now that I'm with my " one" I adore movies that show it really is possible to find your soul mate. You can meet someone who changes how you look at everything--in a good way. And the kid sister in this was just brilliant, very well done!

Okay, that's it for now! No movies tonight, I have another drama in mind. American Idol. Every season I swear I'm going to quit this show, then I'm lured back in by Simon's accent and brazen disregard for people's feelings. I'm really looking forward to seeing Ellen on this, not sure how she'll fare giving musical feedback, but the girl is funny!

Some Movie Reviews

2010-01-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

In the midst of all the recent doggie drama, husband and I have been watching a lot of movies this winter. I'm a huge movie fan and if I'm not walking the puppy, reading, writing, or eating, then movies are my favourite escape.

There are the ones you see just because you want to see something, but you know they're not going to be that great, so you're more forgiving when they, well, really aren't all that great. Then there are the ones that you heard amazing things about or saw a fabulous clip for, so you go all excited and pumped up and you're super disappointed. The depth of the disappointment being in direct relation to the height of your excitement. Over the next few days I'm going to give the low down on some that I enjoyed, or didn't enjoy, for various reasons.

First up: AVATAR. Huge raves, of course. Husband and I missed the first show we went to because we had no idea just how popular it was and it had already sold out. I was bitterly disappointed because I'd been looking forward to it all day ( between us, the popcorn was a big factor) and because when something is taken away from me I REALLY want it. But quick-thinking husband suggested we make it our Boxing Day event. It forced me to wait for a few days, but also made it more of a special occasion. Husband is so smart.

Again, we underestimated how many others were going the same day and ended up way in the front and to the side. Not so easy on your eyes, especially in 3D. But regardless, I enjoyed it. Storyline wise there were no shockers--plot was basic and full of predictable characters, but sometimes, you know, predictable can be nice. Visually ( 3d induced headache aside), it was beautiful and for the time that I was in that movie I was in another world. Isn't that why we go in the first place? To be transported.

On New Year's Eve we decided to see another movie SHERLOCK HOLMES. Again, we underestimated how many other people had the same idea--we'll get it right one of these days--but this time husband hunted down some great seats while I ensured we were loaded with popcorn, which was equally loaded with the perfect amount of butter. ( It's imperative you monitor the butter layering or half way down the bag you're eating Styrofoam) This movie, I hadn't heard a lot about and I didn't have a huge SHERLOCK HOLMES history, so I had no preconceived notions. But I think Robert Downey Junior is fantastic and he didn't disappoint.

There was a lot of action, some good comedic moments, and they did a great job of showing the friendship between Holmes and Watson. Unlike the normal "hey, pass me a beer and did you get laid last night" male stereotypical friendships that so often get portrayed in movies, they weren't afraid to take it to a different level, mainly around Sherlock's possessiveness, which in my opinion, made Sherlock more human and likable. I didn't think he had as much chemistry with Irene, the character played by Rachel McAdams. I got more of a kid sister vibe there then any real love interest. And it felt like the movie may have been a bit longer than necessary, but I was tired, so that may have added to my is-this-over-yet feeling. Mostly I enjoyed the scenes where Sherlock figured everything out brilliantly and the mystery was solved :) I wish life came together that easily sometimes!

Over the next couple of days I'll try to blog about a couple more we saw recently. DISTRICT NINE, ALL ABOUT STEVE, UP, HARRY POTTER, and 500 DAYS OF SUMMER.

The Good and the Bad.

2010-01-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

I haven't been blogging for a bit because my poor little Annie is still sick, and seems to be getting sicker.

When I'm not taking care of her ( read:obsessessing over every symptom and visiting vets), then I'm working on my next book and planning my marketing for STILL MISSING. And speaking of STILL MISSING, I do have some good news. The foreign translation rights have sold to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which is wonderful! Now how do you say, "Please keep your fingers crossed for Annie," in Czech?

Happy New Year !

2009-12-31T10:14:00.000-08:00

Most New Year's Eves I was just grateful to see the back end of the last year and praying like hell the new one was going to be different. But in 2009 I signed a three book contract and a marriage certificate! All and all, a fabulous year. In my defense, although I'm not sure why I would be feeling defensive about happiness and should probably look at that, I was stuck in a holding pattern for a long time! Now I'm looking forward to 2010 and all the new adventures on the horizon.

My wish for everyone in 2010, and yes, I'm going with a cliche, is that you take chances ( within reason, of course, not suggesting you dive off a cliff or anything!), follow your dreams, live authentically, learn from everything, grow as a person, and be the powerful creature you are!

Okay, self-help pep talk over. Now get out there and live!!

PS: Two words: Vision board. Seriously. I'm a huge believer. Of course, me being me, I couldn't just have a vision "board." I have a huge three panelled poster board that stands on an easel in the corner of my office covered in statements and pictures from magazines. Hey, if you're going to do something do it right!

Don't Kill Your Darlings! ( Writing tip # 2 !)

2009-12-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

I've never been a fan of the expression" Kill your darlings." In fact, it bugged the hell out of me. I always thought, Well, then what should I leave? All the lines I thought sucked? I get the concept behind it; you have to be willing to let go of a line, paragraph, or entire scenes if it doesn't work for the story. But the idea that you should kill sections you really love, just because you love them doesn't work for me.

So here's what did!

There were times when I was revising STILL MISSING that I had to cut a scene or a paragraph, but there was a line in there that I loved, and OH, MY GOD did I love it. So I'd spend hours trying to fit it in somewhere, or building entire paragraphs around it, trying everything and anything to hang on to what was now the most-wonderful-line-ever-written-that- would-catapult-me-to-superstardom-and-had-to-be saved-at-all-costs.

But then, the little voice in the back of my head ( the same one I used to ignore back in my dating days) would start to whisper, You're trying too hard to make it fit. It shouldn't be this difficult. It just doesn't work. You have to move on. Then the voice would start to chant the dreaded phrase, "Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, kill your darlings."

But I couldn't. I wouldn't.

So I found a loophole. I opened another Word document and pasted in all the pieces I couldn't let go of. Sort of a holding area, or a waiting room, if you will. I told myself I'd go back and see if I could fit them in another time, in another chapter. And you know what? I never did. But they're all there if I need them.

So if you don't want to kill your darlings, relocate them!

Writing Tip #1

2009-12-16T15:54:00.000-08:00

I'd planned on doing a twelve-tips-before-Christmas-count-down sort of thing, but then my dog got sick and I've been running back and forth to the vet's, turning into a crazed puppy mom--Googling any and all symptoms in total panic mode. Then we found out it was Cushing's disease, which required more Googling and more panic. Do you know how many Web sites there are on that? And how many different opinions? Seriously, if my head wasn't already spinning that would've done it. The good news is that said puppy will soon be on a treatment plan. Right now she's enjoying a nice Valium buzz on the couch while I consider joining her.

Okay, so as much as I'd love writing an entire post on my dog drama, and Lord knows I could, I'm pretty sure others might not find it so riveting. So, here's a tip about pacing.

I've heard a few times that you should read your manuscript out loud to yourself, but that never really appealed to me. I'll read the dialogue out, and sometimes various sentences, just to get the rhythm right, but reading the story out loud didn't help. Until I was reading a chapter to someone else. That's when I realized I was speed reading a few parts because I worried the listener was going to be bored. At some point a light bulb went off-- I like to think that was sooner than later, but I'm not sure exactly when the magic "Hey, wait a minute!" moment happened. Anyway, I kind of clued in that if I'm worried about losing my listener's attention in those areas, I better be worried about losing the readers. So ever after that, if I'm not sure about a spot, I'll read it out loud, and if I rush it, or find myself skimming through it, it gets cut way down, or out altogether.

Just recently, I was at a friend's poetry reading and she asked me about a certain section, which she realized she'd read really fast. We discussed my theory about rushing past areas we're subconsciously worried about, and that's when she had her light bulb moment. She said that when she was reading, she thought, "This part's going on way too long, I'm going to lose my audience." Then she started talking faster.

So, there you go. If you're speeding through it, you better weed through it!

Winter Morning Walks

2009-12-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

I love early morning walks when you can see your breath hover in the air and every footstep crunches on frozen earth. The sound of dog nails scrabbling at iced-over puddles and excited yips as she tries to get the stick buried beneath. The morning sunlight that shines through the bare trees, making everything glisten and sparkle. And then, back inside, a hot shower followed by an even hotter cup of tea. Peanut butter spread on a Wasa cracker ( mental note, tell husband we're out of peanut butter). Draft of new book open, inspiration for the next scene. A keyboard. Bliss.

My New, New Cover!

2009-12-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

Wow, I thought I loved the cover with the cabin on it, but then St. Martin's Press came up with this one and OH, MY GOD!!!

The cover blurb still has to be added, but I couldn't wait to share it. I'm so just so damn happy! I really feel like this cover represents STILL MISSING and Annie's story ( you'll see!).

Now just seven more months and it hits the shelves!!

Breast Cancer Video

2009-12-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

I'll never look at pink gloves the same way again! I've gotta say the male janitor in the hall is my favourite.

Check it out!

Battle of the Blades

2009-11-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

I nearly missed catching on to this show because of my ongoing love affair with Dancing with the Stars, but in one of my endless channel surfing sessions I stumbled on it. Since then my Monday nights have been fraught with tension as flipped back and forth between channels, trying not to miss any key moments in either show. Thank God, Battle of the Blades is finished now--I couldn't take the stress much longer! But I'm going to miss the show. There's something just so wonderfully Canadian about Battle of the Blades. Is it the Maple Leaf Gardens? The hockey players? The French accents? The politeness?

Whatever it was, it worked.

But mostly I LOVED the juxtaposition between these big, tough hockey players and their figure skating counterparts. Seeing the hockey players so far out of their comfort zone, but still giving it their all, just killed me. God, I love that stuff! I was developing crushes right left and center. Googling hockey stats on players I'd never heard of, quizzing husband on every detail of these players' careers, dodging his, "Ummmm...since when do you care about hockey?" comments with a, "Have you been working out? Because your arms look HUGE. "

All good heroes in books and movies have that perfect blend of tough but tender. Stephane Richer and Claude Lemieux in particular caught my attention. Stephane lifted his partner over his head and basically bench pressed her, then he'd flip her around his body and cradle her in his arms. Sigh.

Claude even sang--but he didn't just sing, he sang Leonard Cohen. OMG. By all accounts he was one of the roughest, toughest players out there in his day. Then Kurt Browning shared an anecdote about the first time Claude met his skating partner, Shae Lynne Bourne. She came over to give him a hug, then held his hand and Claude just froze because he couldn't believe a girl did that! But by the end of this process he was wearing satin shirts and gazing at his partner with a near-poetic smoldering passion as they gracefully spun around the rink. When he was performing his routines, I believed!

There are rumours going around that the show may get picked up for another season. If they do, I'll be singing, " Hallelujah."

To Russia With Love

2009-11-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

I had some more great news today. STILL MISSING has now sold to Russia! This is especially meaningful to me as my grandfather and grandmother on my father's side were born in Russia. My grandfather was also a writer and published a book called The Red Pilot, Memoirs of a Soviet Airman. I have the English copy, which I bought off the internet years ago from an antique bookseller, on my shelf, and my dream has always been to place my book next to his. Now I can place the Russian copy there as well! I'm going to have to toast with some vodka tonight!

More Good News!

2009-11-12T08:24:00.001-08:00

Wow! I have even more exciting news to share! Brilliance Audio has bought the rights for STILL MISSING and my next two books!!

Yes, I know the picture of the headphones I posted is kind of creepy, but these are thrillers! Can't wait to "hear" what you all think of the audio version! Get it? Okay, okay,..:)

What a Wonderful World!

2009-11-10T07:24:00.000-08:00

This week I'm really excited to have two bits of great news to share with you! STILL MISSING has sold to Greece and Australia!

I was so excited when my book sold to the US, so now to have sold to Germany, Greece, and Australia is mind boggling. I can't wait to see all the different covers, and to hold in my hands a copy from each country. Even if I can't read it!

My New Cover!

2009-10-27T09:04:00.001-07:00

One of the highlights of being a debut author is seeing your first cover, for the first time. But the moments leading up to it are full of apprehension.Will I like it? Will it capture the feeling of the book?

So I was just THRILLED when I was sent this yesterday! I'm totally in love with it and I couldn't wait to share it! Hope you like it!

Management

2009-10-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

I've been having a hard time lately finding a movie that I'm really crazy about. So, last night I was scanning movies at the video store, thinking, Nope. Seen it. Don't want to see it. Another remake. Blah...blah...And I come across a new one with Jennifer Aniston called MANAGMENT that I'd never heard of, which didn't bode well. But I noticed one of the main characters was played by Steve Zahn. Not sure exactly what it is about this guy, but I've always enjoyed his acting. He usually plays the side-kick or the dumbass boyfriend ( RIDING IN CARS WITH BOYS), so I thought I'd give the movie a try.

Here's the thing. I generally need a fast-paced movie because I get bored easily, but a movie can be slow, if it's riveting. And that doesn't necessarily mean high-stakes drama. I just have to really, really care about a character. If something about that character connects with me, I will watch them eat french fries for an hour. I watched SUNSHINE CLEANING recently, hoping for the same thing--an off-beat beat movie with some emotional connection, but just found it sad.

MANAGMENT is not fast-paced ( it was actually slow in spots), not overtly funny, and no high-stakes drama. But Steve Zahn made this movie for me. He was so endearing, eager and real, that I just wanted to leap into the movie, take him for a beer, and help him out. He was a fantastic example of an underdog who you really, really want to see win the girl. He does some totally dumbass moves, which could be considered stalkerish but because of Steve's acting, and the writing, you believe in this character's innate goodnesss. And the writers did a fantastic job with his character arc, too.

Sue, the character played by Jennifer Anniston, wasn't as fleshed out for me. And I'm still not sure I buy into the motivation for her character growth, or whether there was any actual motivation. But I was able to forgive that because I was so impressed with Mike ( Steve Zahn).

For me, this movie is a perfect example of an actor making the words work. If I hadn't liked the actor, I'm not sure I would've believed the growth with the Mike character, either, or been so forgiving of some of his crazy moves. But Steven Zahn truly made this character come alive for me.

So, if you want to see a quirky movie, then check it out!

The Warm and Fuzzies

2009-10-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived on Vancouver Island, which means it's raining! But I don't mind. Perfect weather to be hunkered down inside with a hot cup of tea and a keyboard!

While I'm working I need to cut my scary with some cute, so in between writing disturbing scenes, that are, well, disturbing! I read Web sites devoted to cute animals. I know, I know, tough thriller writer, hey?

I want to share this one video with you that I just loved. It gave me the warm and fuzzies, so I hope it makes you smile!

Animal Friends :)

Bookreporter.com contest!

2009-10-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! I got some great news Friday! Bookreporter.com is launching a fantastic new feature/contest where readers get to read select books early and share their feedback. I'm very proud to announce that they chose STILL MISSING as their first novel!

They have 60 specially formatted early-editions to give away, and all they ask is that because this is such a special opportunity, you agree to read it and give your feedback within a certain time-frame. As STILL MISSING won't be released until July 2010 I'm really excited to hear what all you wonderful readers think!

If you are interested in more details and checking out this great website, here's the link. Bookreporter.com

Now You're Cooking

2009-09-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

I love cooking shows. A fact that was brought home even harder recently when I was watching JULIE & JULIA. A great movie about a woman who blogs about her experience working her way through Julia Child's cookbook.

I enjoyed the movie because it's got that whole

"if you work hard enough and follow your bliss/passion you will achieve your dreams" thing. One of my favourite personal belief systems. I have a few, one of which is don't Google about a blog that was made into a movie because you will love the other writer's writing and decide yours sucks. So don't do that. Another reason I liked the movie was the popcorn.

A movie has to really SUCK for me not to be able to comfort myself for the loss of the ticket money ( I dissect most movies I see, the negative side of being a writer with a short attention span) with a big bag of buttery popcorn. But you MUST eat peanut M&M's at the same time, only then can you achieve sweet- buttery-chocolate-popcorn Nirvana.

But the third reason, and the reason I'm writing this post while my dog is hurling her leash and collar at the back of my head, is about my passion for cooking. Sorry, I mean cooking shows. I freaking LOVE them. I discovered the Food Network, and then Food Network Challenges, ( sometimes they have to make cakes with themes and it's the most stressful, wonderful thing you can imagine.) and Top Chef, and of course Hell's Kitchen, and Kitchen Nightmares. The latter ones being all twisted in my head with my fear/love of Gordon Ramsay and my desire to see things that are going for shit suddenly rise from the ashes.

I know lots of people like cooking shows. Big deal, right? But here's the thing. I don't like cooking. I can do it, sure, and sometimes I find pleasure in it. But it's more of a oh-yup-just-wanted-to-confirm-I-could-do-still-d0-it-kind-of-pleasure. Left to my own devices, soup with cheese and crackers does the job just fine.

Then I met the ONE--my husband. He likes experimenting with new dishes. I find making a salad annoying. He likes to use herbs from our garden. If I can buy something pre-chopped or pre-rinsed I will. He loves all the kitchen things we got for our wedding. I love all the things he makes in them. So we both accepted cooking is just not my deal. But the great thing about marriage is that you pick up the slack where the other lacks. I have my departments, but they don't require me to rinse or chop anything. Thank God.

But back to the cooking show thing. Not sure what it is, but I love watching food being prepared. I also love the kitchen departments of fancy gift stores. Husband loves the gadgets and anything that has a motor, while I tend to gravitate to all the crazy expensive dishes. I will browse for hours exclaiming, " We have to get this!" Over a cheese tray, or hard selling husband on the complete necessity of a fondue set. Without really wanting to actually be responsible for preparing anything that's going to land on those dishes.

This all works for us, though. I daydream grandiose fantasies of dinner parties and laughter with friends, then organize the event and husband does the cooking. I'm the architect and he's the structure. He's the bread, I'm the cheese. Okay, okay, I'll stop! Time to go anyway--dog's giving me some seriously dirty looks.

Hmm...

2009-09-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, just ignore the weird fonts in the below post about Montreal. Don't know what the heck happened there. I was trying to fix something and created a whole new problem! But after a half an hour of messing around with it I remembered I'm supposed to be writing my next book! So I'll leave you with a, what's up with Kanye? That guy has a serious case of entitlement. So not cool.

And SO sad about Patrick Swayze. God, did I ever have a crush on him in Dirty Dancing. The misunderstood boy from the wrong side of the tracks, who everyone thinks is trouble, but is really nobel and sensitive! Wow. Talk about heroes. Mostly I'm very sad for his wife. Because she loved the real man. And he was probably her hero every day.

C' est La Vie

2009-09-15T10:05:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the bad blogging folks. I've been a tad busy since I last posted. You see, I got MARRIED! Then we went to Montreal for our honeymoon.

I planned on coming home and blogging about the old buildings, churches, cobbled streets, open markets where you can buy roasted sausage on a STICK! But today I want to talk about cheese. Not just any cheese, but the wide array of cheese our charming hotel Le Place D'Armes put out every night at cocktail hour.

So the first night we're toasting ourselves, drinking our wine, eating our cheese, and feeling very grown up, when we see this family standing at the counter in front of the tray of cheese and its accompanying bowl of freshly sliced baguettes. ( Don't even get me started on the bread in Montreal. I still can't get the memory of focaccia bread with cheddar cheese baked into it and caramelized onions slathered on top out of my mind.) Then the young boy picks up an entire BLOCK of cheese and sets it on his plate. Husband and I fully expect the parents to give a firm correction. But the mother reaches over and starts piling slices of baguettes on top of the block of cheese. Now we're staring transfixed. Then the family actually takes the plate and LEAVES and go up to their room!

We were still talking about it when a few minutes later they come back and take more, this time sitting down to eat it. For the rest of the night we speculated. Did they eat all the cheese? Take it to another family hiding up in the hotel room? Save it for later?

The next night we perched at our table and engaged in our new favourite form of entertainment--watching the cheese tray. We elbowed each other over people who gripped the cheese with their fingers, the ones who mulled over their choices while people lined up behind them, the ones who piled their plates up then ate two bites, but our favourite was the cocktail-hour-crasher.

One side of the lounge was blocked off for a wedding and plates of yummy looking appetizers were being carried by. I drooled as they went past, but comforted myself with my brie ( so creamy, God was it good) and my red wine. Then this woman and her two friends enter the lounge and head towards the party at the back of the room, clearly guests of the wedding. One of the women pauses in front of the cheese tray and grabs a GIANT wedge, in her bare hands, and carries it over to the wedding group while she and her friends giggle.Then she sat there and proceeded to break it off into chunks and eat it. The thing that shocked us the most was that this was an older woman who looked like a university professor or something. And there she was giggling because she pilfered a free chunk of cheese on her way to a wedding reception.

We noticed this phenomena again when we we visited a bakery at the market. There were little samples of some yummy desert on the counter. We each took one, enjoyed it, but that was that. Then this woman goes up and gets one and hands each of her young daughters one, which they finish in record time. So she gives them each another one, then ANOTHER ONE!

The cheese and desert samples were there for the taking. Sure. But where do you draw the line? What do you think? Does " free" mean help yourself to as much as you want?

My Latest Addiction

2009-08-06T07:34:00.001-07:00

I'm addicted to earplugs. I'm not sure exactly when it happened, like most addictions it snuck up on me. One day my neighbor was doing some work that seemed to require a lot of hammering, so I used a pair because I was trying to write. It was interesting, sort of like writing underwater. But the neighbor stopped working and I forgot about the earplugs.

Then summer hit and windows opened. I'm not a great sleeper at the best of times. My mind is usually going a mile a minute and " relaxed" is just not a natural state. So my honey had a package of earplugs he brought home from work. Ahhhhh... silence.

Then it started. I'd drop hints about needing more and meet him at the door after work with an eager smile. If he forgot them, I'd drift around the house casting depressed, " Why is the world so LOUD," looks in his direction.

And if he did bring some home? Ahhhhh...sweet relief.

With ear plugs I can have the fan and air conditioner on and still be in my happy cocoon of nothingness! But then I realized something. When I didn't have them, I felt off. On edge. Grumpy.

Then I noticed how many empty wrappers were on my desk, on the night table. How many was I using in a day? I didn't even know anymore. I had a problem.

So I'm weaning myself. One day at a time. I can do this.

Shhhhh.......